Sunday, December 2, 2012

Christmas wish list: cashmere



It's been a few weeks since I last wrote - a lot has happened: a hurricane, midterms and projects, Thanksgiving weekend, a Miami vacation.. As Christmas quickly approaches, I thought it would be fun to put down all the trends that I am obsessed with in this Autumn/Winter, and the "must haves" that could be great presents or stocking fillers. Most of the inspiration comes from the trends that I see here in NYC, but in a few days I will be travelling to Milan, so I will be updating you also on what are the trend for this holidays on the other side of the ocean.

But let's start with the first one: cashmere. Who doesm't love it: soft, warm and cozy. Many cashmere sweaters are quite basic, v-neck, turtle necks and crew necks in all the possible colors. Have you ever noticed that? But here in NY I found a brand that produces great cashmere and in fashionable styles, it is called Aqua and as far as I know it is primarily sold at Bloomingdales stores.

I fell for this particular electric blue and deep blue v-neck sweater that Kristen Stewart wore a few weeks ago, I made a research online and there it was on bloomingdales.com! I bought it online and got it for 40% off with one of the endless promotions Bloomingdale's sends me daily! I cannot provide you the link, because the sweater is, of course, sold out.

http://thefashion-court.com/2012/11/kristen-stewart-the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part-2-la-press-junket/

But there are other styles in trend that are worth trying: here in NYC you can see almost in every store crew necks with animals intarsia, or stars, or hearts. Here a few example from Aqua in casmere:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19

Another brand that I discovered here is C.Wonder, and they offer the same styles, in wool at great prices (88$), here a few examples.

For the cashemere lovers but friendly budgets, I can suggest Uniqlo cashmere collection, from $39.99 to $79.99.

How would I wear it? with classic jeans, or leather skirt, as simple as that!


Aqua cashmere



Aqua cashmere crewneck sweater / 3.1 Phillip Lim leather skirt / Ted Baker skinny fit jeans, $100 / Jimmy Choo high heel shoes / Valentino ballet flat


Monday, October 15, 2012

Black skinny pants, leggings, jeans

http://www.thefancy.com/things/152979602552129913/Faux-Leather-Leggings

This is a timeless trend, but every season it is a fun fashion exercise to start from the basic skinny pants or leggings or jeans and play around with them with the trends of the season. Here a few examples to comment, all:


I kind of like this outfit: jeans jacket, black leggings, black booties, structured black bag. To replicate the look: 


Soho NYC inspired



Denim jacket / H&M , $9.61 / rag & bone high heel boots / Satchel handbag, $120 / Ray Ban Wayfarer black, $175


What about this? Cream sweater, black leggings, beige suede booties, big black leather bag. Replicate the look like this:


Cream and Black



Jumper sweater / River Island shiny pants, $29 / ALDO western booties / Yves Saint Laurent genuine leather handbag


I really like this ensemble, mix of basics with a touch of color: grey sweater, black and white scarf, black denim and red boots. Replicate this look with a bit of cachemire and Dr Martens!

grey, black and red!



Jardin des Orangers knit top / J Brand skinny leg jeans, $195 / Dr. Martens patent leather boots, $145 / rag & bone wool scarve


Black skinny pants are not a trend just for women, also men pull this out woth a jeans shirt and black jacket. Here below this fall menswear inspiration:

Menswear Fall Inspiration



J.Crew tailored shirt / Barbour quilted jacket, $240 / dVb Victoria Beckham skinny leg jeans / NIKE sneaker wedge, $135


Great pieces: parka jacket, black leggings, sneakers and a black balenciaga bag. To replicate this look you can have a look at one of my previous posts NYC Uniform.



Very wintery: camel coat, black leggings, leather brown boots, red cross satchel bag. Replicate the look around a camel coat as the key piece:


Warm camel coat



Joseph hooded coat, $600 / Diane von Furstenberg skinny pants, $375 / Sergio Rossi low heel boots / John Lewis body bag, $145



And this pic is for those who like it very edgy :) For those who want to try, here are my tips:


Fur Vest



SLY 010 fur vest, $1,280 / Current/Elliott / Leather booties / Zara leather handbag

So, which you prefer the best? Don't forget to leave here your comments! And stay tuned for more updates!



Saturday, October 13, 2012

What I'm wearing



My dear follower Cécile suggested me to dedicate some post to what I wear here in New York. So, as now we finally approached into Fall fashion, I can start sharing with you some outfit pics! Do you think I am pulling off the trends of the season?

Today was a super cold day, therefore I decided to wear: a newly bought grey wool oversized sweater by Zara, a black long-sleeved T-shirt by Benetton - the jeans are a bit of a splurge (Dolce & Gabbana, a similar style here), as the biker boots (which I love, by Fendi. A similar style here).

Hope you like it!

ps: sorry for my pink flip flops, they are always in my way :P

Friday, October 12, 2012

Fall trends in Soho

I have to be honest: I've had a hard time. Up to know I was not able to spot any particular trend, because the weather has been changing so much. It is one of those transitioning periods in the year when you can't spot a definite trend, because people don't know what to wear and mix up everything: summery clothes and jackets, jumpers or sweaters (whatever more suitable to keep warm if it gets chillier), sandals, Uggs or boots.

Today I wondered around Soho, because it was one of those New York-only beautiful sunny dry days and it was the first really cold day of the month, 11° Celsius. As you can read, I am still referring to Celsius for the temperature, the other table confuses me a lot and actually I am not putting a lot of effort to learn it!



Anyhow, I spotted this woman in Prince Street, and I believe she shows exactly the "scruffy chic" "non pretentious" trend of downtown New York. And the trend is basically this: total black, jacket, leather (leggings, jacket or pants), motorcycle boots, high street designer bag (possibly in a color that grabs attention), big scarf, Ray Bans. That's it. As simple as that. But Newyorkers are really good at this, because even though it is a really simple trend to put together, it is never ordinary. There is something in her outfit that makes her pull this trend in an edgy and not pretentious way. Would you wear it?

Sunday, October 7, 2012

N/A in NYC...yet: COS by H&M


This sounds odd, right? a successful international brand that does not have a store yet in NYC? the fashion capital for definition? It can happen and I have an example.

I discovered this brand in Berlin (Germany) back in 2011. I was there for a week-end with my friends and, while we were sightseeing, we noticed the store on Friedrichstrasse and we decide it to enter, believing at first it was a local brand  I instantly liked the style: basic colors, simple, straight and sleek lines. At the register, I asked a sales person if she could tell me more about the brand and finally  I found out that is the "luxury brand" of H&M and it is named COS. COS stands for "Collection of Style" and was born in 2007. It counts 46 shops around Europe, and a new one opened in Milan.

While we are all accustomed to H&M high street and budget friendly fashion, COS is a luxury brand, where attention is given to selected materials and details. Of course prices would be a little higher, but nothing so shocking, since the low cost policy, it seems, is inherent in the DNA of the Scandinavian fashion group.

COS just opened doors before the Summer right in the Fashion District in Milan: a three floors 400 square meters shop - a mega store that is hosting its first autumn line. Benedetta sent me a few pics.







Just to have a feel of what the brand and its offering are like in other countries, I asked my friend Paola to send me some pics of the COS flagship store in Amsterdam.



I love the colors, the lines and the minimal design..it's so me! As any successful fashion brand in Europe, I don't feel we will have to wait long to have a store here in the city. In the meanwhile, if you are in Europe you can shop online at cosstores.com

Monday, October 1, 2012

fall is coming to Milan..



My friend Claudia back in Milan filled me in on what is going on in terms of Fall trends and fashion over there. After a long and nice Summer that offered the background for the month of September, now it's time to start shopping for the new season also in Milan. And Claudia is quite lucky, as her sister owns a chic boutique, "My Fifth Avenue", and therefore she has "all access" to the best Italian fashion brands. 

Here you can see an outfit she put together while in her store, an outfit she named "worwkear with a twist": black pants by Patrizia Pepe, green sweater with beaded profile by Scee by Twin Set, beige studded shoes and bag both by Patrizia Pepe. 

If you have never heard/seen of Patrizia Pepe you should check their collection. Edgy and chic. An Italian brand created in Florence by Tessilform in 1993, it is one of the most loved brand in Italy. I have always been a huge fan of it (as Claudia), and I would literally just shop there before the advent of Zara. I always found great pieces for workwear, events and nights out. I believe it is still not distributed in stores in NYC, but you can browse their e-commerce at patriziapepe.com 

Sunday, September 30, 2012

how to replicate a look

Olivia Palermo inspired



H&M short sleeve shirt, $11 / Zara leather jacket / J Brand cropped skinny jeans / Gucci eyewear / Zara Teardrop Choker / Shoemint shoes

I recently saw this picture about Olivia Palermo running errands in New York, and I instantly loved it. I believe this ensemble is a great transitioning outfit and realy easy to replicate. Put into the mix: a leather sleeved grey jacket or sweater (I bought them both at Zara, but the sweater is not available online), a basic burgundy H&M t-shirt, skinny jeans and a yellow-earth suede pumps, big black cat-eye sunglasses and a statement necklace  And you would look absolutely street chic! Here below the inspiration.


http://www.instyle.com/instyle/lookoftheday/0,,,00.html

Saturday, September 29, 2012

NYC Uniform

NYC Uniform




Sandro Parka Linen Jacket  / DKNY leggings / Isabel Marant leather boots / Tory Burch ballet flats / Oasis leopard scarve, $32

I created this set on Polyvore that gives you an idea of what is the trend here on the streets. You can literally spot this look on a good number of ladys, age 25 to 35. I believe it is a great combination, easy to put together and pull it off in this first chilly days of Fall. When days get a bit cooler, I have noticed ladys trading the linen parka with a classic and never-out-of-style Barbour jacket. I was so surprised to see it worn here in New York! I remember wearing it as a must have piece back in Italy like 15 years ago! And at that time it was actually a status symbol. 



http://www.barbour.com/us/womens-clothing/jackets-coats/wax/classic-womens/beadnell-jacket

What do you think of this ensable? Would you wear it? Would you change it? I love it - especially the ankle booties (which btw are a huge deal here in the city, as I will show you in the next posts). 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Emmy's 2012

Yesterday night I watched the Red Carpet and the live show of the Emmy's. This morning I was chatting about it with my friend Paola in the Netherlands, and I was relived by the fact that I was not the only one a bit disappointed by the fashion on the red carpet. Quite boring gowns. Predictable choices. What do you think? Were celebrities already looking ahead into next summer with all the summery colored gowns? Or a bit of a fall back, looking back to this past summer?
I could not see any sharp line between the 2 seasons frankly. And I really like to knnow your thoughts on this!

A part from my personal comments, I believe we can draw some trends out of the red carpet. Here a few that I believe are worth to be highlighted:

Yellow: I did not enjoy at all this trend. A way to summery for the start of the Fall season. Julianne Moore in Dior (maybe a bit inappropriate for the 90° in LA), Kaley Cuoco in Angel Sanchez, Claire Danes in Lanvin and Hannah Simone in Emilio Pucci Couture.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217447

Burgundy: Tina Fey's Vivianne Westwood gown was a bit daring, but still nothing overwhelming.  At least here we are peeping into one of the trends of the Fall season. Jena Malone in J. Mendel, Mayim Bialik in custom Pamella Rolland and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in custom Vera Wang.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217417
Pastel Blue and Acqua Green: Even though a bit too summery for my taste, I believe these 3 gowns were the most daring in the bunch. Zooey Deschanel in Reem Acra, Heidi Klum in Alexandre Vauthier and Julianne Hough in Georges Hobeika Couture.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217422

Sparkle: To me, this choice is a bit predictable for a red carpet, no? Jane Krakowski in KaufmanFranco gown, Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad, Lucy Liu in Versace and Kerry Washington in Vivienne Westwood.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217437

Orange: Tangerine in Fall? Again? End of Summer flavor? Or SS2013 anticipation? Lindsay Pulsipher, Padma Lakshmi and Ginnifer Goodwin, the latter two in Monique Lhuillier.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217443

Grey: and finally the trend I enjoyed the most. Even though a neutral, funny enough I believe it was the most interesting and less predictable. Sarah Hyland in Notte by Marchesa, Emily VanCamp in J. Mendel,  Morena Baccarin in Basil Soda and Kate Mara in Badgley Mischka.

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20304925_20632577,00.html?stitched#21217432

Thoughts? Please leave your comment!






Sunday, September 23, 2012

NYCB Gala

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.486511461373805.113437.295987887092831&type=1

Last Thursday, September 20, Lincoln Center was still under the spotlight. This time not for Fashion Week, but for the New York City Ballet Gala. I can't wait to go and check one of the Balanchine ballet that are scheduled for the next few weeks. A part from fashion, the second top passion I have is ballet. I have been ballet dancing since I was 4, and I have been examining with the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, so for me ballet is a big deal.

So, while waiting fall trends to take their stage in the streets of NYC, my attention is going to the  red carpets. And the exclusive opening gala of the New York City Ballet al Lincoln Center was a big one. Not just for opening ballet season, but for a special partnership with Valentino Garavani,.

The beloved Italian couturier (in my opinion the best Italian designer ever) has realized 30 ballet costumes for the corps de ballet. And of course this glamorous evening couldn't be it without the many celebrities, wearing Valentino gowns.

First, Sarah Jessica Parker, who's in the Boards of the NYCB, was wearing a 2012 Valentino Couture collection floral gown, with a golden waist belt, jewels by Fred Leighton, purple  Louboutins and a ballerina style updo with a flower in it.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html

Another dramatic look that loved was Anne Hathaway. She was wearing a dreamy floral gown from the 2012 Valentino Couture collection as well. As the gossip says, Anne came to support the designer because she would have chosen Valentino as the designer for her wedding dress. I am usually not a fan of florals, but I have to say these 2 dresses are beautifully designed, ethereal and glamorous. Looking at this 2 dresses, I would say florals can be a trend...let's wait a couple of days to find that out.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html
A tip for people in London at the end of November: on 11-29 the Somerset House in London will
open an exhibition in honor of Valentino's extraordinary career called “Master of Couture”, featuring 130 haute couture pieces created by the maestro.

And tonight, I am tuned on the Emmy's...

Monday, September 17, 2012

september italian weddings

While we are waiting for a couple of days to officialy enter into Fall and start seeing the upcoming trends being unveiled in the 2 fashion capitals, let's finish off the summer with some wedding attire. September seems to be the new hit month to get married in Italy. The weather is lovely everywhere in my homecountry in this time of the year, so I get why. Not bridal dresses. Guests are far more interesting to me. And Italians know how to pull off a chic and elegant outfit, opting for basic colors palettes, premium fabrics and standout accessories.

And for those who have never been to a wedding in Milan, here a few insights on how Milanesi guests dress up for a wedding. I have for you 2 examples, 2 different color palettes, 2 different styles.

Let's start with my dear friend Claudia, she's wearing an effortless and ethereal blush dress, of a spanish brand that I was not actually very familiar with, Hoss Intropia. Claudia has an exquisite sense of style - always great findings. Love her late summer style, perfect choice for a chic wedding at a villa in Milan.

Hoss Intropia dress

At another Milan venue, my other dear friend Benedetta, goes for a darker and bold palette: black-and-white Moschino dress, Chanel bag and shoes, and a playful headpiece bought at La Rinascente.
Italian posh.

Moschino dress, Chanel bag, Chanel shoes


Saturday, September 15, 2012

transitioning to fall...

Today in New York is one of those days that made me fall in love with this city. Dry, intense light blue sky, nicely warm and a bit breezy. Fashion wise, it is a challenge to dive into the fall trendsat this time, and what I can see is people starting to mixing up pieces, especially for the chilly mornings and evenings. Blazers are key. And jeans jackets. I see them worn with still summery pieces like dressers (long and short), shorts and tanks.

Zara white blazer, Zara grey tank, LiuJo jeans, Chanel balle flats, Chanel sunglasses, Balenciaga bag
The people who know me, know that I usually wear key color or key pieces "uniforms", and I like to focus on the dear colors I wear any season: black, white, gray and jeans. And every season I play around with them, adding up the color trends or the must-haves pieces of the season. Today here in NYC is a late summer beautiful day, and my uniform is: grey tank, jeans, white blazer, black and white ballet flats, and grey bag. I did not know that here in NYC they say: don't wear white after Labour Day...but white is a great neutral color and is also one of the big trends of this upcoming Fall. 

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends/photos/0,,20620024_20617030_21187113,00.html

Monday, September 10, 2012

a new quest.




I know I have been away for a while. But believe me, I really needed a vacation. I enjoyed my time off from school, travelling around the East Coast. But back to business, as it happens every season, every fashion week – actually every week to be completely honest – I have started gathering all the possible fashion magazines to see how the Fashion Authories are declining Fall 2012 fashion trends, that I already seen on runways in January. A perpetual exercise, season after season.

But, I won’t be talking much about FNO of FW here in NYC, nor Milan. It’s already done out there. Extensively. What I want to continue doing, as I did last Summer, is focusing on documenting and delving in the comparison between two of the most fashion capitals of the world, NYC and Milan, and how the trends of the Season are interpreted and pulled off – and who followed me in my journey during last Summer saw that the same trend can develop in totally different ways in the two cities.

This journey is really interesting to me. Personally, even though I have been living in NYC for 9 months, I cannot give totally up my Milanese fashion sense. What I am trying to do is to absorb the eclectic and scruffy-chic downtown vibe with my classic colors and never-out-of-fashion pieces of my trademark Milan style.

At this stage, my counterpart in Milan, Benedetta (who already participated in this blog and I thank her for the help she has given so far), is going to help me out in documenting and detailing even more what she sees and spots in Milan. So, we will be going back and forth between the two fashion capitals to actually get what’s going on, beyond the glossy magazines and personal style blogs. 

This is a documentary, a journey, an exploration on what is the definition of a trend on a runway or on a glossy fashion magazine, but how different metropolitan styles can develop a common way of styling distinctive of a city. We all follow a trend. Or more than one. Each of us. Even the most eccentric follows a group within the city he/she is leaving in. No BS. We all try to make it personal, and express ourselves (fashion=communication) trying to be unique, we always follow a rule. And we are the product of the city we live in. Iin Milan you can spot people from NYC right away; in overcrowded NYC Milanesi can be recognized instantly. Ever noticed that? I have.